CEO Insights Magazine

Leaders in railroad equipment manufacturing play a pivotal role in shaping the future of transportation. They must navigate a complex landscape of stringent regulations, global supply chains, and evolving environmental standards. By steering their companies through these challenges, they enable the development of innovative, sustainable transport solutions that reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy efficiency. Timothy John, Executive Director of DOM Industries (M) Sdn Bhd, is an exceptional leader with a visionary approach to the future of transportation, focusing on eco-friendly energy sources. His commitment to sustainability and innovation drives significant changes in the industry, positioning him as a transformative figure dedicated to creating a greener and more efficient future for transport.

During an insightful interview, Timothy John shared his professional journey, leadership philosophies, and vision for the future.

Please share your professional journey and highlight the key milestones that have been instrumental in shaping your growth as a leader.

My professional journey began with Western Digital, a U.S.-based hard disk manufacturing company, where I completed my industrial training. During my internship, I was recruited by a fibreglass and stainless-steel manufacturing company. I joined them as an Assistant Manager for Business Development, where I spent three years managing projects, including significant construction ventures such as the Marina Bay Sands and the Art Science Museum in Singapore. I later joined DOM Industries, where I have been for nearly 15 years.

My career in the transportation and power sectors evolved here, starting with overseeing substation construction as an EPC contractor. I later moved into the waste and transport sector, where we supplied locomotives and equipment to clients like Malaysia Railways, the LRT system, and other government-linked companies (GLCs). Over time, I was promoted to General Manager and then Director about eight years ago. In this role, I have focused on driving growth through strategic partnerships, including multiple joint ventures with Chinese GLCs and local collaborations to secure diverse contracts.

How are you employing these experiences in bringing strategic insights and governance expertise to driving DOM Industries today?

We believe in bringing in the people with the right expertise and experience allowing us to expand both vertically and horizontally into new sectors, such as mining and assembly plants. We always leverage multiple platforms, publish insights, and strategically recruit top talent from our competitors, given the limited pool of specialised expertise in Malaysia. We also practise strict adherence to standards and compliance, including achieving ISO, QA certifications, and other regulatory requirements. Additionally, we are engaging in international consultants to improve our internal processes and overall proficiency. Adding value to our company, joint ventures and subsidiaries.

Tell us about your leadership approach. What are the guidelines or methodologies you follow as a leader?

My leadership approach is greatly influenced by my interest in history, particularly Orthodox history, Chinese history, and Greek mythology. I often immerse myself in these subjects, studying the strategies of ancient leaders. I draw inspiration from historical figures like Alexander the Great and Genghis Khan, analysing how they approached challenges and finding many parallels with the world of business. I believe two key elements in both warfare and business is knowing when to confront challenges directly and when to use different strategies to overcome them. Studying their successes and mistakes helps me apply these lessons to modern leadership, allowing me to approach obstacles with both insight and flexibility.

What are the ways you have been transforming railway and power solutions? Could you share a few examples of the same?

The world is constantly evolving. We have progressed from steam engine locomotives powered by coal to diesel, and now to electric trains using various energy sources. Our current focus is on leveraging existing assets while integrating renewable energy solutions. Recently, we secured two contracts in Malaysia for hydrogen-powered ART in Sarawak, which we believe will represent the future of transport. One contract awarded is KUTS ART Systems Package under DOM EEB Joint Venture International Sdn Bhd and the other contract Depot Equipment Maintenance Vehicles. With the growing interest in electric vehicles from companies like Tesla and BYD, we see hydrogen as a promising solution for long-term transportation, including electric trains and MRT systems. Additionally, we have also been working with Malaysia's power utility company for over 30 years and have understood the country's power grid, designed in the British era, and the struggles to meet modern energy demands. This is one of the main reasons we are pursuing Energy Storage Systems (ESS) to enhance the national grid infrastructure, ensuring it can cope with current and future energy needs.

What has been your success mantra throughout your professional journey?

My approach to success is rooted in viewing the company as a family, where everyone is treated equally, regardless of their position. I strongly oppose rigid hierarchies, believing that any decision, regardless of who makes it, impacts the entire organization. We function as an interconnected ecosystem where every voice is important. Whether we are a small enterprise or a multinational firm, it's vital that each team member feels appreciated and empowered, even if final decisions rest with senior management. To me, fostering a culture of equality is key to effective leadership.

Timothy John, Executive Director, DOM Industries

Timothy John is a distinguished leader deeply inspired by historical figures. He strongly opposes rigid hierarchies, championing a collaborative and team-oriented approach. An advocate for renewable energy, Timothy has developed forward-thinking plans for the transportation industry, focusing on eco-friendly energy systems to drive sustainable advancements.